The hottest Food culture Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Food & Drink Topics

"In Scotland, we don't go in for that lazy criticism, not even in an ironic way"

Vittles • 238 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Local Cuisine Culinary Trends Food culture
  1. Scottish cuisine has changed a lot in recent years and is no longer mocked for its food. Instead, people see Scotland as having amazing ingredients and chefs.
  2. There is a focus on using local Scottish produce and cooking techniques like preservation that are gaining popularity. This keeps the food scene exciting and innovative.
  3. Chitra Ramaswamy, a restaurant critic, brings a unique perspective as the only critic dedicated to Scotland's food culture. Her reviews reflect a deep appreciation for the country and its evolving culinary identity.

Sandwiches from the Garage

Vittles • 343 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Culinary Arts Food culture Writing Cooking Personal narratives
  1. When writing, some people prefer simple meals that don't take much time to prepare. It's about using food as fuel to focus on the writing process.
  2. Eating repetitive or plain food can help writers maintain their energy and concentration. It's not about gourmet meals, but about keeping distractions to a minimum.
  3. The experience of eating while writing can be very personal and varies from person to person. Some find comfort in routine meals that help them stay grounded while they work.

The Year of McDonald’s

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5810 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Food culture Social Commentary Media Analysis Identity
  1. McDonald's is a key part of American culture and daily life, often reflecting larger social issues. It's more than just a fast-food place; it represents community and familiarity for many people.
  2. Recent events involving McDonald's, like a controversial Trump campaign stop and a notable arrest, highlight how deeply intertwined the brand is with current affairs and public interest.
  3. Some media reactions to incidents at McDonald's show a disconnect from the everyday experiences of regular customers, indicating a lack of understanding about what the restaurant means to people.

Vittles Reviews: A Love Story

Vittles • 133 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Dining Food culture Reviews
  1. Modo's restaurant in London is recognized for its authentic Lebanese cuisine, thanks to the owners' strong culinary background.
  2. The restaurant started as a dark kitchen and grew in popularity by connecting with the local Arab community and understanding their tastes.
  3. Modo's creates a warm, home-like atmosphere, showing care for their customers, which helps them feel welcomed and appreciated.

All Substack Writers Must Send Me Five Delicious Pasta Recipes by 5 P.M. Friday or Be Shot Out of a Cannon

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Cuisine Food culture
  1. Substack writers are humorously required to send five easy pasta recipes by a certain deadline. If they don’t, there's a funny threat of being shot out of a cannon.
  2. The writer presents a comical and exaggerated tone, implying that gathering recipes is straightforward and shouldn't take long.
  3. There's a playful mention of using AI to evaluate the recipes submitted, showing how technology can add a twist to a lighthearted demand.
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The Texas Yemeni Coffee Bars Edition

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Food culture Cultural Exchange Community Entrepreneurship
  1. Yemeni coffeehouses in Texas are becoming popular spots for social gatherings without alcohol. People enjoy late-night hangs while sipping coffee and having meaningful conversations.
  2. The rise of these coffeehouses reflects changing demographics in Texas and a shift in cultural gathering places. Entrepreneurs are seizing the opportunity to create unique spaces for community.
  3. This trend shows how cultural patterns evolve, with communities finding ways to connect and socialize in diverse environments like coffee shops, similar to what has happened with juice bars.

Six of Nunn

Vittles • 200 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisines Reviews Recommendations Food culture
  1. There are differences between reviewing and recommending restaurants. A review often tells a story, while a recommendation is simply an endorsement of a place worth visiting.
  2. The author shares six restaurant recommendations in London that are worth trying. These are places that have unique qualities and offer great food.
  3. There is also one restaurant that the author suggests avoiding because it gets too much praise already, indicating it may not be as special as others.

“Why Am I So Stoked About Surprise Legumes??"

Culture Study • 2449 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Food culture Gastronomy Community
  1. The Rancho Gordo Bean Club sends members surprise shipments of unique legumes along with recipes, creating excitement and community around cooking beans.
  2. Freshness is key for Rancho Gordo beans, as they only sell beans that are two years old or less, which makes them easier and quicker to cook.
  3. The Bean Club has grown massively, but the founder prioritizes quality and community, with a focus on maintaining a special experience for members.

Paid content: Cake season

Wood From Eden • 336 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Baking Seasonal Recipes Desserts Food culture
  1. Cake season is a time for celebration and enjoyment. It brings joy to people as they gather for sweet treats.
  2. Having a variety of cakes can make any occasion special. Different flavors and styles can cater to everyone's taste.
  3. This content is available to paid subscribers, highlighting the value of exclusive information or access. It encourages readers to support the work they enjoy.

Who Is Responsible for TikTok's Feeder Fetish?

Many Such Cases • 1218 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Media Body Image Social Trends Food culture
  1. Mukbang videos on TikTok show people eating large amounts of food, which many find entertaining. Watching someone indulge can feel fun and even a bit luxurious.
  2. Some viewers develop a fetish for watching people gain weight, known as feederism. This can involve both the enjoyment of watching someone eat and the transformation of their body.
  3. Not everyone watching these videos has a sexual interest; they may just enjoy the visual of someone eating. This leads to debate about the intention behind such content and its widespread popularity.

This is my favorite bean recipe

Read Max • 1659 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Nutrition Food culture Meal Prep
  1. Beans are very easy to cook, and you can make them tasty with just a few ingredients. Remember to simmer them until they're done, adding fat and salt for the best flavor.
  2. You can customize your beans by adding whatever ingredients you have on hand, like herbs, spices, or even a cheese rind. This makes them versatile and delicious.
  3. Leftover beans are great because you can use them in many meals throughout the week. They can be eaten on their own or added to dishes like pasta or toast.

how to be happy in san francisco

bookbear express • 814 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Urban living Friendship Outdoor activities Food culture
  1. Explore outdoor activities like running or hiking regularly. It's a great way to enjoy the beautiful California weather and stay healthy.
  2. Find a few favorite coffee shops near you for those cozy moments. Having a go-to place for your coffee can really brighten your day.
  3. Connect with people around you and build a small friend group. Having a few close friends in the city makes life so much more enjoyable.

The Monday Media Diet with Meg Daly

Why is this interesting? • 482 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cookbooks Culinary Arts Food culture Dining Experiences Gardening
  1. A media diet doesn't just mean consuming less media; it means being picky about where you get your information. Look for sources that report facts without pushing an agenda.
  2. Reading can be more rewarding when you choose bestsellers, as they often have wide appeal. This way, you're more likely to enjoy what you read.
  3. Cooking can bring people together and create lasting memories. Sharing good meals and laughter around the dinner table is a cherished experience.

Six of One: South South London Special

Vittles • 166 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisine Baking Food culture Dining Experiences
  1. Tooting is a great place for South Asian food; it's known for its delicious and comforting meals. The mini sadhya platter is a must-try, served on a banana leaf with various tasty ingredients.
  2. There are many exciting restaurant recommendations from South London, including a special Polish school canteen that impresses with its food. Bistro food and top-notch pastries are also highlighted in the area.
  3. Finding diverse and unique culinary spots, like a Caribbean restaurant and a place serving the best croissant, adds to the food experience in South London. These spots celebrate different cultures through their delicious dishes.

Chugging Away

Vittles • 197 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Beverages Culinary Arts Food culture Nutrition Recipes
  1. Beverages can evoke strong memories and feelings, connecting us to different places and times in our lives. For example, a familiar drink can remind us of our childhood or special moments.
  2. Certain drinks have unique historical stories tied to their origins, making them more than just something to sip on. They often reflect cultural traditions and personal experiences.
  3. Exploring different beverages can be an adventure in taste and discovery. Trying new drinks allows us to learn about different cultures and enjoy various flavors that resonate with our experiences.

New Year New Name: Introducing Vittles Cooking

Vittles • 213 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Food culture Nutrition Sustainability
  1. Vittles Cooking is changing its name from Vittles Recipes to reflect a broader focus on home cooking. It aims to embrace creativity and fun in cooking, rather than just sticking to traditional recipes.
  2. The platform is inviting new pitches related to home cooking. They're looking for unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and experiences that challenge the usual cooking norms.
  3. Vittles Cooking wants to highlight how cooking intersects with daily life and current issues like the climate crisis. They're interested in stories about cooking in tough times or finding joy in everyday meals.

the ultimate guide to holding world class dinner parties

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 389 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Dining Hosting Recipes Food culture Social Events
  1. Choose the right place for your dinner party, preferably at home where everyone can hear and engage in conversation. If not at home, consider a quiet restaurant room or an Airbnb.
  2. Keep your dinner small for one meaningful conversation. Limit guests to 12 and have a moderator to facilitate discussion. Make sure everyone is excited to meet each other.
  3. The food and drink are not the main focus. What matters is the fun and laughter shared during the dinner, so focus on guest interactions instead.

The '#1 restaurant in Austin' doesn't exist

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4120 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🍲 Food & Drink Social media AI Impact Food culture
  1. The '#1 restaurant in Austin' is actually fake and only exists on social media. People are liking and sharing photos of food that was created by artificial intelligence.
  2. Many restaurants now use AI to produce realistic food images, making it hard to tell what's real and what's not. This trend makes people more likely to believe that outlandish food items are real.
  3. The rise of AI-generated food content is blending with real food culture, leading to a situation where it’s tough to distinguish genuine culinary offerings from those that are just for social media attention.

How Pie and Mash Killed Itself

Vittles • 361 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Culinary History Food culture Restaurant Industry Food Critique
  1. Pie and mash shops in London are losing customers because their old traditions don't appeal to many people anymore. This dish has remained mostly unchanged, making it feel outdated to newer generations.
  2. There's a common belief that outside factors like gentrification are causing the decline of pie and mash, but the real issue is that the food hasn't adapted or modernized to attract a wider audience.
  3. Instead of trying to preserve pie and mash as it was, shops should evolve to include new flavors and ideas. This could help keep the tradition alive while appealing to a changing population.

True or False: The Best Salads Are the Simplest Salads

The Department of Salad: Official Bulletin • 2712 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🍲 Food & Drink Salads Cooking Recipes Food Photography Food culture
  1. Some people believe that the best food is the simplest, while others enjoy complex salads with various ingredients.
  2. Food presentation on social media, particularly salads, can be very aesthetically pleasing and popular.
  3. Salad is a versatile dish that can be made with endless combinations of ingredients and styles, allowing personal creativity and expression.

Once Yellow Bittern, Twice Shy

Vittles • 459 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurant Reviews Culinary Trends Food culture Dining Experience Gastronomy
  1. The Yellow Bittern is a unique restaurant in London that doesn't use social media or an online booking system. It's co-owned by chef Hugh Corcoran, known for a simple, hearty menu.
  2. The restaurant has sparked a lot of discussion because some people think it's too expensive and exclusive. Meanwhile, others see it as a refreshing change in the restaurant scene.
  3. Corcoran's approach includes only accepting cash and having a short lunch service, which challenges modern dining trends. Many people are drawn to its old-fashioned style, but it also makes some customers uncomfortable.

(almost) one-pan garlic butter roasted chicken and crispy potatoes

What To Cook When You Don't Feel Like Cooking • 2279 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Ingredients Meal Prep Food culture Cooking tips
  1. The recipe features a delicious one-pan garlic butter roasted chicken with crispy potatoes and romesco sauce.
  2. Leftovers of this dish can be kept for up to 3 days in the fridge and can be used creatively in salads or bowls.
  3. Options are provided for variations like using different types of potatoes, nuts, or even making the dish dairy-free or gluten-free.

A cultural history of the polski sklep

Vittles • 202 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Food culture Migration Cultural History Identity Consumer Trends
  1. The polski sklep, or Polish shop, has significantly influenced British food culture since the EU expansion in 2004. It's become a popular spot for both Polish residents and locals seeking unique food items.
  2. These shops serve as cultural hubs, showcasing Polish foods like kabanosy and Tyskie beer, and connecting different generations of Poles as well as new customers from other countries.
  3. The polski sklep has evolved to include a wider array of European products, making it a blend of Polish and international flavors, and continues to adapt to the changing tastes of its diverse clientele.

Green-Colored Glasses

Seven Senses • 579 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
🍲 Food & Drink Culinary Arts Event Planning Food culture Dining Experiences Seasonal Ingredients
  1. The event 'Tasting Color' was a creative dinner party focused on the color green, blending food, art, and nature. Guests enjoyed a themed vegetarian menu that highlighted seasonal ingredients, all visually connected by the color green.
  2. Collaborations were key to making the event successful. Partnerships with local chefs, ceramicists, and artists helped create a unique and immersive experience for guests, enhancing the sense of community and connection.
  3. The overall goal of the dinner was to foster human connection through shared experiences. Organizers felt joy seeing guests engaged in conversation and enjoying the moment, showcasing the power of creativity and collaboration.

The Invention of Fergus Henderson

Vittles • 233 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Culinary Arts Food culture Food Trends
  1. Fergus Henderson and his restaurant St. John helped revive traditional British dishes, especially using ingredients like bones and offal. This emphasis on simple, hearty food changed how people viewed English cuisine.
  2. St. John's design reflects a no-frills approach, with a focus on practical aesthetics rather than flashy decorations. This creates a casual, approachable atmosphere that many people appreciate.
  3. Despite initial mixed reviews, St. John became a beloved national institution, influencing restaurants and food culture in both the UK and beyond. Its popularity shows how deep cultural roots can lead to lasting success.

The Vittles EU8 Restaurant Guide

Vittles • 123 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurants Cuisines Food culture Food history
  1. The EU expansion in 2004 brought in eight countries, giving London a rich variety of Eastern European cuisines. You can find Polish, Lithuanian, Czech, Hungarian, and more types of food across the city.
  2. Many restaurants, bakeries, and pubs celebrate these cultures, especially in neighborhoods with a strong East European community. Places like Streatham and Ealing have become hubs for this diverse culinary scene.
  3. Certain dishes, like Lithuanian cepelinai or Czech goulash, are becoming more popular, showing a shift in how these cuisines are viewed. People are starting to see them as trendy and delicious.

misc. thoughts from spain

Midnight Musings • 39 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🏝 Travel Cultural experience Lifestyle International travel Food culture
  1. Language can change how we express feelings. For example, in Spanish, you say 'I have hunger' instead of 'I'm hungry', which shows a different way of thinking about sensations.
  2. The pace of life in Spain feels relaxed compared to the hustle in places like New York. They have slow mornings and enjoy long nights, making life feel more balanced.
  3. Life in Spain seems healthier without a focus on gyms or strict diets. People walk a lot, enjoy good food, and have strong social connections, which might contribute to their overall well-being.

A Salady Sandwich and a Sandwichy Salad

The Department of Salad: Official Bulletin • 2299 implied HN points • 25 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Food history Cooking Food culture
  1. Barry Enderwick is known for his obsession with sandwiches, showcasing vintage and modern sandwiches on various platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
  2. Enderwick's sandwich videos are short, sweet, and rated, often adding modern elements to vintage recipes for today's tastes.
  3. Despite his multi-platform presence, Enderwick remains humble, not selling anything, but aiming to provide a positive, uplifting 'video snack' for his audience.

Nick Bramham’s Rabbit & Fennel Risotto

Vittles • 128 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🍲 Food & Drink Recipes Cooking Dining Food culture Gastronomy
  1. The Rabbit & Fennel Risotto was created out of a kitchen challenge due to unexpected demand for rabbit and over-ordering of fennel. The chef had to think quickly to make a delicious meal.
  2. To give the risotto a rich flavor, the chef uses high-quality ingredients like Carnaroli rice, chicken stock, and fresh fennel, making sure the vegetables add texture.
  3. The finished dish is intended to be substantial and perfect for sharing at gatherings, making it both satisfying and versatile for different occasions.

I ate a burrito from the middle

Situation Normal • 161 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food culture Culinary Arts Food Writing Personal essays
  1. Eating a burrito from the middle is a different approach that challenges traditional methods. It can lead to messy situations, but some people are curious about trying it.
  2. Finding answers and funding for bizarre stories can be tough, but communities can come together to support interesting journalism projects.
  3. Not every new idea or method is better than the traditional way. Sometimes sticking to what's easier, like eating a burrito vertically, just makes more sense.

Rich People Food, The Paradox of Liberation, Success Sequence

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 928 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social Status Food culture Philosophy Lifestyle Human behavior
  1. Rich people often have different food preferences, which can reflect their social status. Eating certain foods can signal wealth and lifestyle choices.
  2. The concept of liberation can be paradoxical; sometimes, more freedom can lead to complications and struggles in life.
  3. Following a 'success sequence'—like education, job, and then family—can help people find stability and success in life.

Horny, Horny, Produce

Snaxshot • 399 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Trends Food culture Food Industry Product Marketing
  1. Embracing the sensuality of food can lead to a deeper connection with what nourishes us, shifting away from mindless consumption to a more mindful indulgence.
  2. The rise of food porn and product porn reflects a generation seeking instant gratification and using visual cues to signal interests, while also exploring a deeper connection with global cuisines and flavors.
  3. Curation, akin to edging, allows for delayed gratification and enhances the experience by immersing oneself fully through all senses, ultimately extending and heightening the pleasure of consumption.

'If you don’t like it, you know what you can do'

Vittles • 205 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Cooking Recipes Food culture Personal Stories Food history
  1. Cooking can be a way to show love, just like the author's mom did. Simple, nourishing meals can carry deeper meanings and memories.
  2. Life isn’t always fair, and cooking lessons can help us deal with challenges. It's important to enjoy food and savor moments with friends and family.
  3. As we grow, we might need to unlearn some of our childhood teachings. It's okay to take pleasure in cooking and sharing meals without guilt.

Back to the Future: A Trip to Wing Yip

Vittles • 138 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🍲 Food & Drink Restaurant Reviews Culinary Trends Food culture Dining Experiences Food Photography
  1. Brent Cross West is a new train station in London that makes it easier for people to get around. It helps connect different areas that were hard to reach before.
  2. The Wing Yip supermarket complex remains busy and lively, resembling classic Chinese supermarkets. It's a place that many people have fond memories of.
  3. There are big changes happening in the Brent Cross area, including new homes and businesses, making it a lively neighborhood to visit.